PHOENIX — An Arizona Diamondbacks homestand and the NCAA Women’s Final Four are descending on downtown Phoenix at the same time this weekend, bringing heavy traffic and road closures around Chase Field, the Phoenix Convention Center and Mortgage Matchup Center.
While there aren’t any Valley freeway restrictions this weekend, once you exit into downtown, expect detours and delays through early next week.
The first of back-to-back NCAA Women’s Final Four semifinals tips off at Friday 4 p.m. at Mortgage Matchup Center. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks play the Atlanta Braves at 6:45 p.m. in a game that will be followed by a fireworks show at Chase Field.
There’s are no basketball games on Saturday but there are plenty of related activities in the area. Additionally, a Diamondbacks’ game starts 4:15 p.m., and a concert by The All-American Rejects will take place at Chase Field afterward.
The biggest crunch comes Sunday, with the NCAA championship game starting at 12:30 p.m. and the Diamondbacks game getting underway at 1:10 p.m., putting both events in full swing at the same time just blocks apart.
Here is what you need to know about navigating downtown Phoenix streets this weekend:
Road closures for fan events in front of Phoenix Convention Center
Third Street between Monroe and Washington streets is closed in front of the Phoenix Convention Center and will stay closed through the weekend. This is the main hub for Tourney town and the long list of fan events throughout the weekend.
Heaviest traffic impact with all-day festivals on Saturday, April 4
Road closures expand significantly ahead of Saturday events, including open team practices at Mortgage Matchup Center, a Kehlani concert at Hance Park and the NCAA Women’s Final Four Bounce.
The day’s biggest traffic impacts downtown are around the convention center. Monroe Street is closed from First Street to Seventh Street. Sections of First, Second, Third and Fifth streets are all impacted with full or partial closures.
Additional downtown closures for the Bounce run are in effect from 6 to 11 a.m.
Expect the heaviest traffic disruptions around Hance Park as crews set up for a free Super Saturday Concert. Side street closures start Friday at Moreland Street and Third Street.
Closures in place for the Women’s Final Four championship, April 5
Closures remain in place around the convention center and Mortgage Matchup Center for the Final Four championship game. Tourney Town wraps up at noon, and the Four It All Fest runs from 9 a.m. through the end of the game. That means Third Street in front of the convention center is closed.
Cleanup crews work break down April 6–7
Even though the NCAA Women’s Final Four champs will have been crowned by Sunday night, road closures remain in place as crews break down structures and clean up.
Expect limited access in the areas around the convention center and Hance Park.
Take the light rail to avoid traffic hassles
Tickets to events at Mortgage Matchup Center — including the semifinal games, Super Saturday practices and the championship game — include a free round-trip ride on Valley Metro light rail beginning four hours before the event through the end of service that day.
Be ready to show your ticket to fare inspectors if asked.
The closest stop to Mortgage Matchup Center is at Third and Jefferson streets, while the downtown hub station is a short walk to the arena.
The light rail runs until midnight on Friday and Saturday and until 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Get the latest KTAR News 92.3 FM traffic alerts sent straight to your phone by texting “TRAFFIC” to 620620.
